Memorial Art Gallery

A visit to the Memorial Art Gallery is a journey through more than 5,000 years of art history. From the relics of antiquity to works in the vanguard of contemporary movements, MAG offers a panorama of the world’s art. Our 14-acre campus is a spectacular public art space that is a popular destination for Rochesterians and out-of-town visitors alike.

MAG’s Mission Statement

Vision and Values

By 2020, MAG will be at the center of the conversation on creativity and a leading example of how an art museum can enrich its community.

We are a force for creativity. We believe the direct experience of art is relevant to the human experience. We play a unique role as a trusted steward of knowledge, culture and authenticity. We build and promote relationships that enrich our community.

About MAG

The museum was founded in 1913 by Emily Sibley Watson as a memorial to her son, architect James Averell. Given in trust to the University of Rochester, it is one of the few university-affiliated art museums in the country that also serves as community art museum. Today it is supported primarily by its members, and the University of Rochester. Memorial Art Gallery is also supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature. Half-price Thursday admission is made possible in part by Monroe County.

Holiday Season Special Hours
We will close at 3 pm on Sunday, December 24th (Christmas Eve) and open on Tuesday, December 26 during school break.
Closed Mondays, most Tuesdays & the following holidays:
New Year’s Day | Martin Luther King Jr. Day | July 4th | Thanksgiving | Christmas Day

Admission:
$15 general admission
$12 senior citizens (62+)
$6 college students with ID
$6 children 6–18
FREE for children 5 and under
FREE for **University of Rochester students, faculty and staff with current ID.

*Half-price admission Thursdays after 5 pm
Get directions to MAG

SPECIAL MAG Gallery Store Holiday Hours
Tuesday, November 28 thru December 23rd from 11-5pm. Thursdays until 9 pm
We will close at 3 pm on Sunday, December 24th (Christmas Eve)
Normal MAG Gallery Store Hours
Wednesday-Sunday 11 am–5 pm, Thursdays until 9 pm and closed the following major holidays:
New Year’s Day | July 4th | Thanksgiving | Christmas

Administrative Offices:
We will be closed on Friday, November 24, 2017.
Open Monday-Friday during regular business hours. Closed Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Art Library/Teacher Resource Center:
Open to the public for browsing and to MAG members, educators, and UR students & staff for borrowing. Hours and information

MAGthursdays
Every Thursday from 5 to 8 pm, enjoy food and drink for purchase from Brown Hound Downtown, live music, and half-price museum admission. The museum is open until 9 pm. Reduced admission is made possible by in part by Monroe County.

Handicapped-accessible spaces are in lot A (near the University Avenue entrance) and lot D (near the rear entrance). The clearance is six feet, six inches (6′ 6″). Both entrances are fully accessible. A limited number of wheelchairs are available in the Vanden Brul Pavilion. Full description.

To schedule a sign language interpreter, a touch tour for the blind, or to request an events calendar in Braille or large print version, contact Chelsea Anderson or call 585.276.8971. Deaf and hard-of-hearing people may also call via Relay Service.

Museum Guidelines
In order to make the museum visit pleasurable for all, we ask that you follow the guidelines below:

Food, beverages, umbrellas, backpacks, large bags (16”x 20” or larger), and baby back carriers are not allowed in the gallery. Please use our free coat room and lockers located near the front entrance.
Wheelchairs and umbrella strollers are available in our coatroom for your use free of charge.
Please do not touch; natural oils and dirt from your hands can damage delicate artwork. Please do not lean on art cases or walls. We recommend staying 12 inches back to avoid touching the works by accident.
Please use regular or color pencils only when making notes or drawing in the galleries. No pens, ink or markers.
Please keep your cell phone on vibrate.
No photos are allowed in the Grand Gallery or of works marked with the ‘no photo’ icon. No flash photography or video in the collections. For guests safety, we do not allow tripods anywhere in the museum. Commercial photographers should contact our events department at 585-276-8950 to inquire about site fees and space use policy.
Visitors can also enjoy cell phone audio described tours of selected works.